Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 1997 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with beautiful notes of cherry lozenges, star anise, leather, horse blanket, black pepper, organic earth, and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. I recently got to spend some time with Ren and Marilyn Harris of Paradigm and he shared with me that he thought Zinfandel was a variety that has the potential of being longer lived than Cabernet Sauvignon. I didn’t argue with him. Anyway, this is a killer Rafanelli Zinfandel that is aging ever so gracefully. Drink now through 2037. — 6 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This 2010 is in tip-top form.

Beautiful, ripe fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, plum/black plum for days, cherries, strawberries, raspberries & some pomegranate highlights. Cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg & soft vanillin, black teas, mid berry cola, both licorices, fresh tobacco, used leather, steeped black tea, limestone minerals, some charcoal, pepper, grilled meats, dark spice w/ heat, sandalwood to cedar, dark, withering flowers with violets, grand acidity and a balanced, well tensioned/structured, elegant finish that lasts minutes and falls on spice.

Even adding the plum reduction sauce, the 2011 Burnello is still the better pairing.

Photos of; Kosta Browne winery, founders-Dan Kosta & Mike Browne and their barrel & tasting room. — 19 days ago

Tom Heckert

9.1

Earthy on the nose (like a pinot should) strawberries and leather. Full body finish. Paired with hangar steak and veal chop. — 21 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

One of the most aromatic and expressive Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley. The nose is a vibrant bouquet of toasted hazelnut, lemon zest, apricot, cantaloupe, lavender, and crème brûlée. Utterly captivating.

On the palate, layers unfold: apricot pastry, baked apple, lemon curd, dried pineapple, and honeysuckle, with hints of tarragon and nougat. Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity, a silky texture, and a long, brioche-tinged finish.

Superbly balanced between fruit, oak, and freshness. Delicious now but built to evolve. 🍋🍍🥐 cheers!! — 13 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Pale yellow with pleasing aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, adding in spice and some biscuit notes. On the palate complex palate of flavors, fresh fruit, pineapple, lemon, grapefruit, peaches and Asian pears. Slight earthiness with a smooth and creamy well balanced finish ending with a gentle yeasty character. Very nice! Consistent quality! Will age well! — a month ago

Danny O'Brien

9.2

Very tasty and fruit forward Pinot with a nice backbone of soft tannins. Not super complex, but very drinkable and enjoyable as a big boned California Pinot — 14 days ago

Luca D’Ambrosio

9.0

More tame fruiter notes than other American Zinfandels — 3 days ago

Ron R

9.3

Celebrating the day when fathers can reflect on what’s next with their families and children. Carpe Diem! — 17 days ago

with Anne-marie

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.2

It’s got that CA profile. Dusty earth and tooti frooti but also has some good spice. But yea, that CA profile. Elegant, sweet and balanced. Not big but small and pure. Nice. — 12 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.1

Solid and fully robust — a month ago